The Burmese language in fact uses both labels. “Myanmar” refers to the written, literary name of the country, whilst “Barma” references the spoken word.

A modification of the latter was adopted by British colonialists throughout their occupation of the region, a convention that survived beyond their removal by the Japanese. Burma remained the country’s official title until 1989, when a commission set up by the ruling junta decreed that the English language title should only be accepted as Myanmar. 

The change was justified with the logic that as the Barma were the largest ethnic group in a country engrossed in vicious racial and cultural conflict, the move would represent an inclusive concession. Such reasoning however is controversial, with many international observers assuming that the move was essentially an act of “national re-branding” by the government in the wake of the controversial riots of 1988. 

As such, how one recognizes “the golden land” has long proved a question of political allegiance. Nations and organizations more sympathetic to the junta (notably Japan and China) quickly accepted the change, as did the deliberately inoffensive United Nations.

Similar to this:

Slade Property Services wins Asia Pacific Property Awards 2nd year running

Myanmar real estate reforms seek to boost foreign property investment

Competition exerts downward rental correction in Yangon's office market